Press statement following the meeting between Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and Premier of the People's Republic of China, Li Keqiang

Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, met with Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Li Keqiang, on 15 October 2014, in the margins of the ASEM Summit in Milan. They had open and constructive discussions on EU-China relations, as well as global and regional issues. Both sides underlined the importance they attach to the EU-China Strategic Partnership and their will to continue developing and strengthening it in all its dimensions, including human rights.

On foreign policy issues, they had a thorough and consensual discussion on the situation in Ukraine. They agreed on the importance of restablishing peace and stability in this country in accordance with UN principles. They reviewed the situation in the Middle East, Northern Africa and the Sahel and agreed to increase cooperation to counter the common threat of extremism and terrorism in these regions.

The EU and China reaffirmed their commitment to finalise as early as possible negotiations on an ambitious bilateral investment agreement, which promotes open markets and a level playing field. Both sides stressed the crucial importance of their trade and investment relationship.

The two sides underlined their commitment to a successful outcome of 21st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris in 2015.

Both presidents assured of the EU's commitment to maintain the level of engagement with the Chinese leadership. The Chinese Premier welcomed this and expressed the readiness of his country to continue strengthening the dialogue and relations with the European Union.